Department of Defence Ministers

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the United States Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Jeffrey Bleich, today exchanged diplomatic notes to bring the Australia – United States Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty into force.

The Treaty’s entry into force reflects Australia and the United States’ commitment to cooperation in Defence capability and technology. It is a significant step forward for the Australia-US Alliance.

The Australia-United States Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty was signed in Sydney on 5 September 2007. The Treaty creates a framework for the transfer of eligible defence goods, services and technology between approved entities in Australia and the United States, known as the Approved Community, without the need to apply for separate export licences.

The Treaty will improve delivery times, improve sustainment and give Australian industry better access to technical data to tender for United States contracts.

Australia is implementing the Treaty through the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012. Proclamation of that Act is scheduled to occur on 6 June 2013, and on proclamation from that date, companies interested in joining the Australian Community can apply for membership. The work of the Strengthened Export Control Steering Group, chaired by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Ian Chubb, is not affected by the Treaty’s implementation and continues with its two year transition period.

The Minister thanked Ambassador Bleich for his personal efforts in advancing defence cooperation between Australia and the United States.